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Textile finishing for botanical odor control

Plant-based textile technology that captures and neutralizes odors to keep fabrics fresh for longer

HeiQ Mint™ is a plant‑based (>70%) deodorizing technology designed to help textiles stay fresh for longer by attracting, capturing and absorbing volatile odor particles. Using plant‑derived odor control components, the technology works directly on the textile during everyday wear and use, without changing the look, feel, or performance of the material. 

 

Effective odor control helps keep fabrics fresh for longer, allowing for less frequent washing, thereby saving energy, reducing water and detergent consumption and increasing product durability, depending on how the product is used and cared for. 

 

Key benefits

  • Bio-based deodorizing performance for textiles
  • Extensive wash durability thanks to the continuously renewable unique capture and release technology
  • No biocidal declaration required on product labels as it is a non-antimicrobial, so it can be applied and marketed worldwide
  • Compatible with all major fiber types, including natural fibers, synthetics, and blends, without altering hand feel or breathability
  • Suitable for responsible production, with bluepass, ZDHC compliant, GOTS certification, USDA bio-preferred certification (>70% bio-based carbon content (ASTM D6866)), and alignment with most brand RSL requirements
Nature Odor Control Freshness Visual
Our certifications & standards:
  • GOTS certification
  • Bluepass
  • USDA certified
  • zdhc
  • OEKO-Tex Eco Passport

Applications

HeiQ Mint™ had a wide range of applications. 

  • Casual wear

  • Sportswear & activewear

  • Base layers

  • Home textiles

  • The science behind HeiQ Mint™

    The technology was developed based on the knowledge that the real cause of human sweat odor is volatile fatty acids (VFA's), such as isov...

    The technology was developed based on the knowledge that the real cause of human sweat odor is volatile fatty acids (VFA's), such as isovaleric acid. With this in mind, HeiQ Mint™ addresses these odor‑causing compounds using a unique combination of essential mint oils, naturally derived deodorizing ingredients, and HeiQ’s proprietary encapsulation technology. 

     

    During wear or use, when the fabric comes into contact with sweat, many of the VOCs are attracted to and absorbed by the technology on the textile surface. When the textile is washed in the alkaline environment of water and soap, the odor particles are removed from the container and into the wash water, thereby fully restoring the absorption capacity of the technology. 

     

    This process restores the technology's ability to absorb odors allowing HeiQ Mint™ to perform again during the new wear cycle.

    AMX HeiQ Mint graphic
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    • Does HeiQ Mint™ add fragrance to textiles?
    • Is HeiQ Mint™ antimicrobial or antibacterial treatment?
    • What are the test methods available for HeiQ Mint™?
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    HeiQ Mint™ is designed to manage odors rather than mask them with fragrance. The technology doesn't add any smell to the textile treated, and any sensory perception comes from the deodorizing function of the ingredients, not from added perfume. 

    No, HeiQ Mint™ does not make antimicrobial or antibacterial claims. Its odor-control effect is based on deodorizing and odor-absorbing mechanisms, not on killing or inhibiting microorganisms. 

    Objective measurement for HeiQ Mint™ is achieved by the Deodorant Property Test (ISO 17299-3A) which measures the Odor Reduction Rate of a textile product before and after 20 home launderings. This test uses isovaleric acid (the main odor compound in human sweat) on a gas chromatograph. For quality control in the textile mills, we provide an easy-to-use Marker Technology Coloration Test. Additionally, a real-life wearer or user trials are very convincing. 

    HeiQ’s biotechnology platform uses nature derived polymers, prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic ingredients and translates natural and biological processes into scalable product technologies across textiles, home care, personal care, water, and animal care. By combining biology, chemistry, and materials science, HeiQ applies nature‑inspired mechanisms, including microbiome‑based systems, bio‑based encapsulation, and functional finishes, to deliver reliable performance across multiple industries.

    Yes. Different textile finishes can be combined on the same fabric to deliver multiple effects at once. The key is formulation and process control. Finishes must be compatible and engineered to work side‑by‑side during application and remain stable during use and washing. Well‑designed combinations extend fabric functionality without changing how the textile feels or behaves in daily wear. For example, a garment can manage moisture while also reducing odour build‑up.

  • Product line-up

    • HeiQ Fresh MNT-01
    • HeiQ Fresh MNT-01

      • Bio-based odor control agent that absorbs VOCs
      • Deodorizing plant-based agent
      • Chemical basis: combination of mint oil with HeiQ proprietary bio-based microcontainer technology
  • BOSS has launched a beautiful line of garments, powered by HeiQ Mint™ for best-in-class odor control. The plant-based deodorizer HeiQ Mint™ controls malodor development on textiles, providing fabrics with a long-lasting odor control capability that keeps textiles smelling fresh all day long. The new pieces – a light sweatshirt, jogging trousers, functional polo shirts and trainers – are part of the BOSS Green Collection.

    BOSS has launched a beautiful line of garments, powered by HeiQ Mint™ for best-in-class odor control. The plant-based deodorizer HeiQ Mint™ controls malodor development on textiles, providing fabrics with a long-lasting odor control capability that keeps textiles smelling fresh all day long. The new pieces – a light sweatshirt, jogging trousers, functional polo shirts and trainers – are part of the BOSS Green Collection.

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    HeiQ and Boss Collab Visual
    View success story
  • Webinar: Botanical odor control for textiles with HeiQ Mint™.

    Watch this webinar to tackle odors in textiles in a different way! We explore the HeiQ Mint mode of action and how the performance is tested. The fact that this textile technology is about 70%...

    HeiQ Mint provides effective and lasting freshness for clothing and home textiles.
     

    Watch this webinar to tackle odors in textiles in a different way! We explore the HeiQ Mint™ mode of action and how the performance is tested. The fact that this textile technology is about 70% biobased is addressed, underlining why this feature makes all the difference when compared to other odor control solutions.  
     

    Discover the power of HeiQ Mint technology with industry experts.

    View webinar details
  • Webinar: Go green! HeiQ's bio-based textile technologies.

    Learn about HeiQ’s growing range of bio-based technologies ready to make textiles functional while meeting the growing demand for sustainability.

    Learn about HeiQ’s growing range of bio-based technologies ready to make textiles functional while meeting the growing demand for sustainability. In recent years, the interest in environmentally friendly products has surged across various industries, and the textile sector is no exception. Consumers have become increasingly aware of the environmental impact associated with conventional textiles and are actively seeking alternatives that are derived from renewable resources.
     

    We are showcasing the innovative bio-based technologies HeiQ Mint™, HeiQ Cool™, HeiQ Soft Sense™, and HeiQ Allergen Tech™, which bring an array of benefits to both apparel and home textiles.
     

    (*Inanimate allergens such as house dust mite matter & pet allergens)

    View webinar details
  • News: CiCLO® technology expands across home textiles from market week to climate week

    NEW YORK, Sept.10, 2026 - Intrinsic Advanced Materials is expanding the commercial reach of CiCLO® technology across home and hospitality textiles this September with ADVANSA and HeiQ, followed by its partnership with Lonely Whale’s Fashion the Future activation during NYC Climate Week.

    ADVANSA and HeiQ collaborations create new opportunities for home and hospitality products as Intrinsic Advanced Materials brings the CiCLO® technology story to NYC Climate Week.

     

    ADVANSA is introducing Suprelle® fiberfill made with CiCLO fibers, extending CiCLO technology into an established premium fiberfill portfolio designed around comfort and performance. At the same time, a collaboration with HeiQ is creating opportunities to pair CiCLO fibers with functional technologies that address specific product needs, including cooling, moisture management, freshness and allergen reduction.
     

    Together, the developments give manufacturers, brands and retailers more ways to create products around specific consumer needs while incorporating CiCLO technology designed to help reduce microplastic fiber persistence.
     

    Microplastic fiber pollution caused by the shedding of synthetic textiles is one of the most prevalent forms of microplastic pollution. CiCLO® technology is a patented textile ingredient integrated into polyester and nylon fibers during manufacturing. It creates pathways designed to accelerate biodegradation when microplastic fibers enter end of-life environments with moisture and microorganisms, reducing their persistence. Third-party laboratories independently test CiCLO fibers using recognized ASTM and ISO methods.

    ADVANSA adds CiCLO® technology to Suprelle® fiberfill portfolio

     

    ADVANSA is introducing Suprelle® fiberfill made with CiCLO® fibers for bedding, home and hospitality applications, bringing CiCLO technology into an established premium fiberfill portfolio built around comfort and performance.
     

    The Suprelle portfolio gives product developers a range of fiberfill options designed around specific product needs, including cooling, down-like comfort, adaptable support, lasting loft and resilience, lightweight support, moisture management and recycled fiber options. This allows brands and retailers to select the comfort and performance attributes appropriate for pillows, comforters and other bedding products while incorporating CiCLO fibers.

    “Our customers want fiberfill that delivers the comfort and performance consumers expect while helping support broader environmental priorities,” said Jean-Christophe Rouyer of ADVANSA. “Adding CiCLO technology gives them another way to differentiate Suprelle products without changing the core benefits of the fiberfill.”

     

    HeiQ collaboration expands functional possibilities     

     

    Intrinsic Advanced Materials is also collaborating with Swiss materials innovator HeiQ to explore how CiCLO fibers can be paired with functional technologies across home, hospitality and apparel applications.
     

    The collaboration gives manufacturers and brands access to a range of performance possibilities, including cooling and thermal comfort, allergen reduction, odor control and freshness, moisture management and faster drying.
     

    Combined, the technologies create opportunities across bed linens, pillows, mattress protectors, mattress toppers, mattress ticking and apparel products. Product developers can select functionality based on application needs while incorporating CiCLO fibers designed to help reduce microplastic fiber persistence.
     

    “Brands are looking for ways to build more functionality into products without adding complexity,” said Mike Abbott, EVP Advanced Materials and General Manager, HeiQ USA. “Combining HeiQ technologies with CiCLO fibers gives developers more flexibility to create products around the performance benefits their customers value.”


    From Market Week to Climate Week

     

    The conversation continues during NYC Climate Week, where Intrinsic Advanced Materials is partnering with Lonely Whale’s Fashion the Future activation at PlanetHAUS, Sept. 21 and 22. The activation is open for drop-in visits from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Register here.
     

    CiCLO technology will be featured within The Fashion Stream, an educational experience that follows textiles through upstream, production and downstream stages. Positioned within the production stage, CiCLO technology illustrates how innovation introduced when synthetic fibers are made can address microplastic fiber persistence if those fibers later enter the environment. 
     

    The Market Week collaborations demonstrate CiCLO technology moving into commercially relevant products, while Fashion the Future connects that adoption to the larger challenge of microplastic fiber pollution and the role material choices can play in reducing persistence. 
     

    “CiCLO sets a new industry paradigm,” said Cheryl Smyre, vice president of Parkdale Advanced Materials. “Our collaboration with ADVANSA and HeiQ intersects highly functional chemistries and fiber performance with science to accelerate practical textile solutions. Our work with Lonely Whale's Fashion the Future amplifies awareness and represents a vital step forward in tackling the broader microplastic fiber crisis.” 

     

     

    About Intrinsic Advanced Materials and CiCLO® Technology
     

    Intrinsic Advanced Materials, LLC (IAM), a joint venture between Intrinsic Textiles Group, LLC and Parkdale Advanced Materials, Inc., develops and commercializes advanced biodegradable technologies for the global textile industry, focusing on innovation and scalable solutions. Its portfolio includes award-winning CiCLO® technology, a patented textile ingredient designed to reduce microplastic fiber persistence from synthetic fibers. Commercially available through a global network of certified manufacturing partners, CiCLO technology has been adopted across home, hospitality, apparel, workwear and nonwoven applications, with products available from leading global brands and retailers including Target, Walmart, Costco, Best Western Hotels, Billabong and McDonald’s. CiCLO technology has received multiple industry and sustainability honors, including the Behind the Seams Award for Outstanding Supplier Partnership and the World Sustainability Awards.

     

    About ADVANSA
     

    ADVANSA is a leading European fiber supplier based in Germany and part of a global polyester group, with more than 50 years of experience in fiber innovation. The company supplies customers worldwide with a portfolio of high-tech, branded polyester fibers, including Suprelle®, its family of premium functional fiberfill solutions for home and hospitality applications. ADVANSA combines fiber expertise, research and testing with global manufacturing and supply capabilities to support manufacturers, brands and retailers in developing differentiated textile products. For more information, visit ADVANSA.

     

    About HeiQ
     

    HeiQ is a Swiss deep tech materials innovator that turns breakthrough science into scalable material technologies. Founded in 2005 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, HeiQ develops advanced solutions across biotechnology, textiles and advanced materials. The company combines scientific research and application expertise with global R&D, manufacturing and distribution capabilities and works with more than 300 global brands across 60 countries. For more information, visit HeiQ.

     

    About Lonely Whale
     

    Lonely Whale is an ocean conservation organization advancing ocean innovation and market-based solutions to address plastic pollution and other threats facing the ocean. Founded in 2015, the organization brings together innovators, businesses and communities to help move promising solutions toward broader adoption. Its Fashion the Future program connects material innovators with brands and funding to advance solutions that address synthetic microplastic fiber and harmful chemical pollution. Lonely Whale is a fiscally sponsored program of Re:wild, a U.S. registered 501(c)(3). For more information, visit Lonely Whale. 

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